Nanocrystalline Calcium Phosphate Technology

A technology that manipulates molecules is being used to manufacture synthetic bone, with applications in the sports medicine, trauma, spine, and general orthopedics markets.

Nanocrystalline calcium phosphate technology (NanOSS) is engineered synthetic bone and is the first material that duplicates the microstructure, composition, and performance of human bone. Utilizing nanotechnology, calcium and phosphate molecules are manipulated at a nanoscale (one millionth of a millimeter) level, and are assembled to produce materials with unique structural and functional properties. The material has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Angstrom Medica (Woburn, MA, USA), the developer of the new technology, has incorporated NanOss chemistries in the development of dense, highly consistent, crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA)or tricalcium phosphate (TCP) formulations that have nearly the strength of stainless steel.

Initial applications for the material include suture anchors, interference screws, and interbody fusion cages for spinal surgery. The minute size of NanOss crystals allows the growth of cells between them that gradually encompass the crystals, thereby modeling them into natural human bone. NanOss can be used in areas where natural bone is damaged or removed, such as in the treatment of fractures or in lieu of allograft (donor bone) and metallic medical devices.

Angstrom is also developing further formulations for NanOSS technology, including injectable, endothermic, weight-bearing bone cements, and programmable bioactive coatings that can act as a stand-alone coating or as a carrier for pharmacokinetic agents and orthobiologic materials.

Angstrom Medica received the Frost & Sullivan 2005 Excellence in Technology Award for its development of NanOSS technology.




Related Links:
Angstrom Medica